Episode 9

This episode is one of the moments built up over the season. When first watching the trailer this is the comedic and shocking moment that upped the ante, and it’s very exciting to finally see it. But in comparison to the trailer, even though it’s the same length, the moment is drawn out with several close-ups to showcase emotions. The viewer would assume this episode focuses on our lead, Sera, but it’s really about Gwen. This episode seems to fill my cry out for a short episode in my review for Episode 8. My hope was to have quick episode that let the story explore a character more and give that character depth. Although my initial hope was to have one on Laura, I’m not disappointed that it’s about Gwen. Gwen is the character whose motives were in question from the beginning; encouraging Sera to be the other woman, calling her when she’s at Ona’s house, ect. There’s always something more to what she’s doing, and she presents herself as morally bad, not to mention self-centered.

Here we see a more vulnerable and sweet side of Gwen. She tells Sera that they didn’t have sex (isn’t that a relief!) and that she took care of Sera in her drunkenness. She’s a ‘gentlemen’ in handing Sera some ibuprofen pills and a glass of water without request. Sera has changed everything in initiating that sleazy make out session, and to Sera it means nothing, but to Gwen it does means something. This is definitely reflected in the setting. The whole episode is essentially one scene in Gwen’s bedroom, with beautiful natural light spilling onto their faces. The sheets look soft and comfortable, with pieces of art on the wall behind Sera and Gwen. It’s all miles away from the professional in a suit we got introduced to in Episode 3. I must take a minute to say that the score at the end of this episode makes it. The score, along with the acting, makes it clear that Gwen is still in love with Sera.